To the soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice to protect this country.

On Monday we will honor those men and women who gave their all to protect our country. We owe much to these people and their families.

We are also grateful for the veterans and other community members who organize Memorial Day events each year.

 

To increased traveling this Memorial Day Weekend.

Over 350,000 motorists will take to the road this Memorial Day Weekend, according to AAA. This is a 5.3 percent increase from Memorial Day Weekend in 2014. These drivers will most likely be paying the lowest memorial holiday gas prices since 2009. Gas prices for Albert Lea on Saturday averaged at about $2.59. The state average is $2.61. Drive safe friends!

 

To comments made by Gov. Mark Dayton.

Whether you agree or disagree with Dayton’s veto on the education bill this week, we can all agree that accusing other politicians of hating something is unprofessional and divisive. Dayton lashed out at Republican lawmakers on Tuesday when he announced he would veto the bill, claiming that some Republican legislators “hate the public schools.” He said he wouldn’t support a bill that didn’t support his plan for universal pre-K for 4-year-ods. He has since refused to step back from his statement. These legislators deserve an apology. We hope this does not make negotiations more challenging during the special session.

 

To the flower baskets hanging downtown.

Flower baskets were hung in downtown Albert Lea this week. The flowers are completely funded by donations from residents and businesses of Albert Lea. It’s great to see everyone come together to make our city beautiful. Thanks to all who donated and to Hilltop Greenhouse who made the baskets.

 

To Tom Yezek and the Vikings track and field team.

Northwood-Kensett thrower Tom Yezek took first place and set a personal best in the discus with a toss of 172-4 Friday at the Iowa Class 1A state track meet in Des Moines. Congratulations to Yezek for being the first track state champion in the Tribune’s coverage area since NRHEG’s Carlie Wagner won the high jump last season. We applaud the training, determination and skill it takes to compete at such a high level.